Robert "Bob" Johnson

Robert "Bob" Johnson, 79, of Howard, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 5, 2025. Bob was born on October 25, 1946, in Escanaba, Michigan. He graduated from Escanaba Area High School in 1965 and attended Bay de Noc Community College, where he earned an associate degree. He then went on to study for one year at Michigan State University.

Bob proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division, United States Army, from 1969 to 1971, during a very difficult time in our nation's history.

He worked in the horticulture industry from an early age. As a youth, he began in a small neighborhood greenhouse in Escanaba. His final stop was at Mayflower Greenhouse in Green Bay, but over his 70-year career, he enjoyed many opportunities in between-including time spent in Florida and Lower Michigan. From 1974 to 2025, all of his professional "stops" were in Green Bay, including Schroeder's Flowers, Green Bay Country Club, and Mayflower Greenhouse. He also maintained flowers for individual customers and, later in life, lovingly cared for the memorial gardens at Union Congregational Church.

Bob's home was always open to friends and visitors. He loved conversation and always gave people "the time of day." His home was a revolving door for friends who came to talk about horticulture-or anything else. It truly was an "open house" for visitors, even when he was tired or busy.

Bob was loved deeply by his family, and he loved them back just as strongly. He believed in the American work ethic, working tirelessly at his jobs and in his own yard-right up until the day he passed peacefully in his sleep.

Bob and his brother Jim were proud members of the Bay Area Bird Club. Birds were especially important to the "Johnson Boys." While Bob's profession was horticulture, he also appreciated the insects and birds that visited his "backyard jungle." He welcomed all visitors and loved listening, learning, and sharing stories.

Bob enjoyed celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas, when he loved decorating outdoors. He treasured family gatherings-and especially the leftover food he could take home. He loved writing long Christmas letters and penning interesting short stories that reflected his wit and personality.

It will be a different world for our family without Bob. We have lost an important part of our lives, but we will carry on-and we will remember him through the stories we share.

Per Bob's wishes, no visitation or funeral services will be held. Instead, please share a story about Bob-that will be enough. Donations may be made to Paul's Pantry or The Salvation Army in his memory.

Bob is survived by his sisters, Barbara (Nolan) Johnson and Mary (Bob Safranski) Seppanen; brother, James L. Johnson; nephew, Robert J. Johnson; niece, Jean (Dan) Leach; great-nephews, Isaac, Elijah, Josiah, and Zachary; great-niece, Emma; as well as coworkers, numerous neighbors, friends, and fellow Bay Area Bird Club members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Adolph Johnson; and grandparents, Amelia and John Horney, and Augusta and John Johnson.

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